Diving in Grand Cayman Over Christmas - Site and Ops Recommendations

[eotm]

First time in the Caymans. Will be staying at the Westin SMB 12/20-12/26, probably won't have a car. Will be with non-diving family, except for the first day, so liveaboard is not really an option, and 2 tank morning dives would be ideal. I will not have a buddy with me, so an operation that often has solos I can buddy with + DM in the water at all times is a plus. Would appreciate a heads up if some of them don't go out Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. I'm a guy in my 20s, if that matters, and willing to pay a bit of a premium for consistency/good timings/fast boats so I can also spend time with family. I dive my computer, and would not go with someone who doesn't like computer profiles, although I will be spreading out my diving so decos shouldn't really be a problem.

Since I'm close, the Kittiwake seems a no-brainer, and probably will do Stingray City as well (touristy I know). Pretty excited about the Wall, are there any specific sites people would recommend? Alternatively, a good operator I could trust with getting me a couple of memorable dives on the Wall (avoiding reverse profiles while maximizing my experience). Also, if there are cool night dives that might be fun as well. Finally, considering a shore dive or two (Turtle Reef?), but would want to be escorted (unless I get lucky and find a buddy on one of the other dives).

Thanks guys

 

[Red Dirt]

Hello!

I just returned from GC, and had a great trip. But it did come with some disappointments--we were unable to dive the north wall. They were having what they called a "winter storm", which meant the weather was still nice, but the seas on the north side were too rough. So, unfortunately, no north wall diving, or shore diving on the north or west sides. I used two different dive outfits, Neptune's and Divetech. Both are outstanding. The reason I used 2 different companies is because of their apparent locations. Divetech is on the north shore, so I reasoned that they'd be the easiest to dive the wall with. Neptune's showed an SMB location, so I planned to dive just the west side with them. If I were to repeat the trip immediately, I would use Neptune's exclusively. Divetech is absolutely top-notch, but I loved the smaller group size with Neptune's. And it turns out the locations of the shops became a non-issue. Neptune's is COMPLETELY mobile, they can dive from anywhere. And Divetech was launching from the public beach at the extreme north end of SMB. So, a toss-up. Once again, I was very impressed with both outfits. But my girlfriend and I are novices, so I was more comfortable with the smaller group size. Both operators were willing to pick up (we stayed right next door to the Westin).

I agree the Kittiwake is a no-brainer--it's the first wreck I've dove, and I loved it. And I really wanted to do a night dive, as well. But I wasn't successful in that--most operators apparently night dive from the shore, and shore diving wasn't available due to the weather. I really hope you're able to get all your dives in, but people down there told me that anything on the north is a bit of a dice roll in the winter--weather often gets in the way. Either way, we very much enjoyed our dives on the west side, and we got 11 dives in on a 5-night stay. So, you'll have fun whether the weather cooperates for your north wall dives or not.

 

[diversteve]

Red Sail is the on-site Westin dive operator. http://www.westingrandcayman.com/pdf/RedSailDivingPackages.pdf

Personally I'd go with one of the smaller operators also though - +1 for Neptune's or Ambassador Divers. Indigo Divers might be another option. They'll all pick you up on the street side of the Westin - most operators run shuttle vans up and down SMB daily.

Pretty much everybody has a fast boat. Indigo has a really fast boat. Most are consistently on-time also since many do 1PM afternoon dives - either to SRC or shallower cert/discover dives - and they need time to re-equip their boat for their afternoon customers. There is no bad dive operator on Cayman, they all charge +/- $100 for 2 tank dives so the only way they can differentiate themselves is by providing exceptional service.

A list of most of the CITA dive operators can be found down the right side of the Kittiwake page - contact a few that offer what you want. The Official Website for the Kittiwake Shipwreck - Home

IMO opinion the best dives are on the North Wall. Although the Northwest side is excellent also. Sites to ask about - in Dec. some of these are very weather dependent: Ghost Mountain, Babylon, Eagle Ray Pass, Hammerhead Hill, Trinity Caves, Orange Canyon, Big Tunnel. Hepps Wall.

From the Westin a cab to Turtle Reef wouldn't be terribly expensive. The Macabuca Tiki Bar is there for lunch/dinner. Or Cracked Conch but it's a lot more upscale. Also someone to call you a cab back - it's a little quiet in that area. One other thing to know is that if Cobalt Coast gets blown out on the north side, due to a "turn" in the shoreline, Lighthouse Point is frequently still diveable. Weather could be a factor up there next month.

If you did want to rent a car just for one day or so, Andy's Car Rental has an office on lower SMB - they used to pick you up to do the paperwork also - may still do. There's also reliable bus service all over the island - both the yellow and green lines run along past Turtle Reef and loop over to Cobalt Coast - they go up West Bay Rd (SMB) from downtown. IDK whether you can bring dive gear on the bus but if it's all neat in a duffel bag I don't see why not - you won't be transporting tanks since no one lets them off their property. (except Eden Rock or Divers Supply) http://www.grandcayman4u.com/transport/buses.htm

If you want to do an escorted night dive at Turtle Reef contact Happy Fish Divers - Sundivers (the onsite op at TR) has an arrangement with them for that. Cracked Conch - Turtle Reef Shorediving - Snorkeling I think it's the best shore dive you can access w/o a long swim out.

We also offer guided NIGHT DIVES at one of the island's best shore dives - Turtle Reef!

- Happy Fish Divers | Grand Cayman Scuba Diving

 

[Drew Sailbum]

As others mentioned, the North Wall is frequently blown out by the Christmas Winds. That includes teh shoe div at Cobalt Coast and the wind might also blow out Turtle Reef and Lighthouse Point (depends a bit on the exact direction). I would not count on any of those.

But no worry, there are many great wall sites in the North West Point area. Trinity Caves is probably my favorite up there. Babylon, previously mentioned, is actually a site out on the north shore in East End and the west side based dive ops very rarely venture that far.

Each operator's Christmas schedule is up to them but many are open. For the smaller ops it depends a bit on how many divers they can book. I know that Red Sail is definitely open on Christmas though they tend to be less favorable to diving a straight computer profile.

 

[BUDMANOK]

Made a trip in November 2012 to GC dove with Deep Blue divers at the Lobster Pot dive center and I would highly recommend them. I was very happy with their schedule as they left at 7:30 am or a little before if all the divers were there and we got back around 11:00-11:15. That was important to me as my wife doesn't dive and it gave me plent of time to get back so we could eat lunch and do the other touristy things she wanted to do.

They are all about letting you dive your computer/air supply. They will assist if needed but if you are experienced they just let you dive. max number of dives on the boat was 7.

 

[eotm]

So I would like to book with Ambassador because of the attractive pricing for 4+ dives, but am a little worried for the following reasons:
1) When I called they would not say when they go out to which sites. Combined with a Tripadvisor review (which granted are overwhelmingly positive, but the negatives ones are scary...) that mentioned they only go to sites close to SMB, this is quite concerning.
2) Boat size. I take my camera and they don't seem to have a freshwater pool on board. I really do prefer a "full-service" boat where I can hand my camera up to somebody and know it is being taken care of.

Other options? Indigo seems pretty solid...

 

[Drew Sailbum]

As a rule, Cayman dive ops do not schedule exact sites on specific days other than Stingray City or the Kittiwake wreck. Site selection is dependent upon wind, wave and current conditions. Generally two tanks dive, one wall and one shallow, is about as specific as they can be. In this sense Ambassador is no different than any other dive op in Cayman - they are all at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Not having a dedicated camera bucket is a trade off that some small dive ops make. If you have concerns about how camera gear is handled by a particular operator then send an email to ask questions before making a booking.

 

[Ambassador Divers]

So I would like to book with Ambassador because of the attractive pricing for 4+ dives, but am a little worried for the following reasons:
1) When I called they would not say when they go out to which sites. Combined with a Tripadvisor review (which granted are overwhelmingly positive, but the negatives ones are scary...) that mentioned they only go to sites close to SMB, this is quite concerning.
2) Boat size. I take my camera and they don't seem to have a freshwater pool on board. I really do prefer a "full-service" boat where I can hand my camera up to somebody and know it is being taken care of.

Other options? Indigo seems pretty solid...

Hi eotm

Thank you for your consideration. As I mentioned to you earlier on the phone, dive sites are chosen on a daily basis. Changes in location may be necessary for reasons such as safety, visibility, current, or even diver experience level. Also, Cayman utilizes a public mooring system on a first come, first serve basis. The site you want to dive could be occupied by one of the other operators, forcing a lengthy wait and a change in the time we return you to your hotel. The weather has a lot to do with our daily dive location, especially in the winter months. As Drew said, special exceptions include the Ex USS Kittiwake and Stingray City. These two sites are often requested in advance and both have multiple moorings allowing more than one operator on site simultaneously.

We are a full service valet dive operation specializing in personal service. While it is a fact that our two smaller boats do not carry large camera rinse bins, we are able to cater to divers with camera rigs both large and small. In fact, our new dive boat Juggernaut is equipped with an elaborate fresh water system as well as a 4X8 ft camera table.

Indigo is a great operator. Contact Chris on 345-525-3932.

Happy Diving!

 

[EastEndDiver]

I have dove with Jason,ambassador divers, and highly recommend him.

 

[eotm]

Ambassador - thanks for your professionalism and courtesy. Your response to my inquiries were quick and informative, which goes a long way toward alleviating my concerns. I look forward to the dives I will be doing with you. Didn't realize the new boat had a rinse bin either.

Fyi for everyone else, I am doing some dives with Indigo, some with Ambassador and Stingray city on Christmas with Red Sail since they are the only one who go out that day. I'll let you know how it goes.